Zhejiang University's first Asian Civilization Week invites you to a Silk Road feast!

On the maritime and overland Silk Roads, items such as metals, silk, ceramics, glass, and sculptures for trade and religious purposes circulated, promoting civilizational exchanges and mutual learning among various regions in Asia. During the Song Dynasty, many regions in Asia had already mastered silk weaving techniques, and some even exported 'barbarian cloth' to China. Silk gradually became a supplementary currency due to its long-term preservation, resistance to decay, and high value. Samite, with patterns highlighted by the weft, is a craft formed in Western Asia by combining Chinese weaving techniques with local wool weaving techniques, featuring weft-patterned and twill structures. It is simple and versatile, allowing for richer patterns. After being introduced to China, it replaced warp-patterned brocade as the main variety during the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Kesi, or cut silk, appeared no later than the Tang Dynasty, mainly influenced by the Khotanese method of wool weaving, and reached its peak during the Song Dynasty. The traditional Indonesian attire Ikat refers to a type of fabric that combines dyeing and weaving, originating from India and flourishing in China during the Tang Dynasty. The hunting pattern is a typical theme of Sassanian art, emphasizing the portrayal of figures. With the continuous eastward spread of Central Asian culture, the Chinese hunting pattern became an important theme in silk patterns, prevailing during the Tang Dynasty. The pearl roundel pattern originated from Western Asia and was extremely popular in Central Asia. Using the pearl roundel as a framework to encase thematic patterns is a typical characteristic of Sassanian textiles, with animals being an important thematic pattern.